Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2023
Robert Lyon Obituary
December 8, 1939 - February 22, 2023
Robert Godfrey Lyon Jr. passed away peacefully on the morning of February 22, 2023. He died at home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 83. Rob was born on December 8, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a large family that included a twin sister and three brothers. After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Robert joined the Navy as a naval aviator where he flew F-8 Crusaders in the Vietnam War. During his Navy years Rob flew multiple active combat missions before ending his military career as a test pilot. As a civilian, Rob moved on to a career as an airline pilot, first with Western and later, Delta Air Lines, where he met his wife of 40 years, Robin. After retiring from the airlines, Robert and Robin began a non-profit rescuing abused and neglected animals and training them to visit nursing homes and hospitals. Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals has now been a Sonoma non-profit for nearly 25 years.
Rob is survived by his wife, Robin, two brothers, Bruce and Dean, four children, Tracy, Banning, William and Lynette and five grandchildren, Kenny, Cammie, Madi, Daisy and Lark.
Donations in Robert's honor can be made to Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals through the website Lyonranch.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lyon
5 Entries
Larry Nelson
April 23, 2023
Robin so sorry to hear of your loss or as we pilots say "Bob has Gone West." We were in the same Navy pre flight class where he was a star. Then he was a hero for pulling a fellow student pilot from a burning aircraft. I will always remember our trip to your farm. Hope to make the trip again.
John MacConaghy
March 22, 2023
Robin and Lynette,
So sorry for your loss. Rob was a great guy and one of a kind. I remember going to the ranch when the huge barn was under construction to give him a load of concrete blocks for a retaining wall. I asked him if I could unload it. He politely said no and told me he was committed to building the whole thing with his own two hands and without help of any kind.
All the best,
The MacConaghy- Barnier family
Larry Woodall
March 10, 2023
Robin & Family,
So sorry to hear about Rob. Always the highlight of my day when our paths crossed. Truly a great man and so enjoyable to be around. He will be missed. So sad.
Larry Woodall
USN-WAL-DAL
Jeff Greenwood
March 9, 2023
Robin and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. I never flew with Rob at Western or Delta Airlines, but have had very interesting conversations with him over the years. He was truly a gentleman. I have made a donation to Lyon rescue ranch in Rob's honor.
Jeff Greenwood, Captain retired
WAL/DAL
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mike Stainner
March 8, 2023
I am sorry for your loss; I flew with Bob for Western Airlines in Los Angles. As with most of the WAL group we enjoyed his company. He was a credit to his Nation and the Airlines. Mike Stainner Capt. Retired
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Lyon's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Lyon
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Lyon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
